Lankford announces subcommittee chairmanship

U.S. Rep. James Lankford of Oklahoma will serve as chairman of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlements for the upcoming session of Congress.

The Associated Press

U.S. Rep. James Lankford of Oklahoma will serve as chairman of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlements for the upcoming session of Congress.

Lankford announced Thursday his selection as the chair of the subcommittee, which is under the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

The Edmond Republican says the panel on energy policy is particularly important given the role that the energy industry plays in Oklahoma. Lankford says he is committed to "reducing the excessive federal regulations strangling our energy industry."

Lankford previously was elected by his GOP colleagues as chairman of the Republican Policy Committee and also will serve on the House Budget Committee.

First elected in 2010 to Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District, Lankford is preparing for his second term in office.